Over the Top Blog Award

One of the best things about Close To My Heart are the relationships and connections to other women (crafters can be guys too). Even though we haven't met, I read Amy's blog every time she posts and feel like she is already a part of my CTMH circle.  She is deploying for Iraq, so please keep her (and all the others) in your prayers.

With that in mind it was an extra treat that I received the Over the Top Blog Award from not only Amy, but also Christine.  I am always honored to have my peers recognize me, makes me smile ;) Thank you ladies!

So here is the deal ladies.... The Rules are:

1. You can only use ONE word!!!

2. Pass this along to 5 of your favorite bloggers!

3. Alert them that you have given them this award!

4. HAVE FUN!!!

Now the FUN PART!!!! (one word? right do you know me, lol, that's a hard one)
1. Where is your cell phone? somewhere?
2. Your hair? mess

3. Your mother? loved
4. Your father?
5. Your fave food? Diet Coke (that's one word right?)
6. Your dream last night? none
7. Your fave drink? Diet Coke
8. Your dream/goal? happiness
9. What room are you in? office
10. Your hobby? photography
11. Your fear? loss
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
13. Where you were last night? home
14. Something that you aren't? dishonest
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. Wish List Item? video camera
17. Where did you grow up? Washington
18. Last thing you did? Blog
19. What are you wearing? clothes (lol)
20. Your TV? Duggars
21. Your Pets? sleeping
22. Friends? love
23. Your Life? spectacular
24. Your Mood? sleepy
25. Missing Someone?
26. Vehicle? Maxima
27. Something your not wearing? MakeUp
28. Your fave store? Costco
29. Your fave color? Fall
30. Last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Tonight
32. Your best friend? Brian
33. One place that I go to over and over? Costco
34. One person who emails regularly? NonaChats
35. Fave place to eat? Zao's Noodle Bar

Celebration/Hit The Deck Sale

This year, I'd like to achieve one more dream with Close To My Heart and I'll need your help to do so. I'd love to take my husband on Close To My Heart's incentive cruise on the Norwegian EPIC.

To thank you for supporting me over the last 5 years and helping me achieve the cruise, I am having a "Celebration/Hit the Deck" sale.

Order $100*

Get: Anything in the Idea Book priced

Between $18 and $20 FREE

-- Plus, you'll receive the stamp of the Month FREE --

Order $75*

Get: Anything in the Idea Book priced

Between $12 and $14 FREE

Order $50*

Get: Anything in the Idea Book priced

Between $9 and $11 FREE

Order $30*

Get: Anything in the Idea Book priced

Between $4.50 and $6 FREE

SUBMIT YOU ORDER

Call (425) 413 - 4280 or email

CreatewithChristine@msn.com

The sale runs NOW through October 31st and is available to all customers. You will need to submit your “Hit the Deck” orders through me to receive your free item(s) and they will not be available in the online ordering.

*Order total BEFORE shipping and tax is added in.
**Customer pays shipping and tax on free item.
***Order can not be combined with any other specials provided by Christine David (kit of the month club, budget club, etc.)

Thank you for an amazing 5 years!

Today marks my 5 year anniversary with Close To My Heart - what an amazing 5 years it has been! Thank you to each and every one of my customers (who have become dear friends) for keeping me employed while helping me live my dreams!  -- Watch my next post for a Celebration (Thank You) Sale --

When I started Conner was just three months old.  Hard to believe that he is now 5 and in Kindergarten. When I was pregnant with Conner I felt such anxiety, because I knew that I didn't want to leave him to go back to work. Yet, I felt like there was really no choice, we were struggling as it was (with me working) to pay our monthly bills.  Thankfully, I had been introduced to Close To My Heart by Kris Croce years before, although I never became a regular scrapbooker or cardmaker - the one class I attended planted a seed. So, when trying to figure out a way I could stay home with our brand new son, it crossed my mind. I remember how much fun she had teaching us and thought "maybe, I could do that" - never guessing that not only could I do it, I'd be good at it and LOVE it! My husband and I chatted about it and I called Chris to see about joining her team. She had since moved on but offered an excited "go for it!" Soon after that phone call, I found my upline online and am so glad that I went for it (my husband even had to sell a motorcycle to pay for my kit - talk about a great investment).

Starting out with CTMH, I had no grand dreams - I merely wanted to make a little money to help with the bills.  Quickly I discovered that I could replace my previous part time income and have fun doing it. To be as honest and open as I always am - we had a lot of debt (pushing 30k). I share this because I am proud to say that not only did becoming a CTMH Consultant allow me to stay home with my son, it helped me pay off EVERY penny of that debt! We had always dreamed about building a home, but with the debt and my decision to stay home with our son, it seemed like it would never happen. As soon as the debt was paid off (thanks to the help of CTMH), the dream became a reality.  In December of 2008 we completed our dream home.

Beyond the financial benefits, I have been rewarded beyond belief: through amazing relationships with women (both customers and fellow Consultants) who share the same heartfelt desires, by achieving successes that I never would have imagined I was capable of (top new recruiter/2nd overall in recruiting/winning art contests/being featured in our catalog), and feeling valued by the Corporate staff at Close To My Heart.

To celebrate I spent the day playing with my two boys (Blake joined our family November 11, 2007) in our dream home.  It seemed an appropriate way to celebrate my 5th anniversary with Close To My Heart - because I do not believe that I would be here if I had not become a Consultant on October 26, 2004.

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a CTMH Consultant, I would love to be the Consultant that plants a seed that could change your life.  Email me at CreatewithChristine@msn.com for a free information packet and to ask any questions you might have!

More Jingle for your Jangle: Christmas Card Workshops

Give the gift of unique handmade Christmas cards this year! These cards are faster, simpler, easier and more cost effective than ever before. Each kit (either Jingle or Sweet Home) include all supplies needed to create 20 stunning cards (4 cards of 5 different styles), envelopes along with cutting diagrams and instructions so you can recreate these cards later.

Cost is $25 or even better, FREE with your $25 Close To My Heart order!

Don't miss this fantastic workshop!

Saturday, October 24 @ 10am - or - [3 spaces left]
Tuesday, October 27 @ 6:30pm - or - [8 spaces left]
Sunday, November 8 @ 2pm - or - [FULL]
Tuesday, November 10 @ 6:30pm [5 spaces left]

*Don't see a date that works for you or would like to schedule a private workshop with friends? Email me at CreatewithChristine@msn.com or call me (425) 413-4280 to schedule your own card workshop!

Call or email me to reserve your spot for you (and a friend) today!

RSVP to Christine David 
425.413.4280 or
CreatewithChristine@msn.com 

No Calorie Sweet Treat: Cupcake Photo Holder Class

Treat that special someone (maybe yourself) to this sweet treat without the calories. I'll show you how to create this adorable little treat in my Cupcake Workshop. Using foam for frosting, a selection of brads as colorful sprinkles and paper from one of our My Reflections paper packet, you'll be able to create two cupcakes from each workshop kit - making this an affordable gift for all. Cost is just $20 for class supplies (2 cupcakes)!

Attend class on November 15th @ 7:00  
[only 5 spaces remain]




Purchase Your Virtual Kit Now 
Purchase this "virtual workshop" for just $25 (includes shipping*). Supplies to complete 2 cupcakes (!) are provided in your kit. Plus, you'll receive a step by step video tutorial walking you through the entire cupcake creation process.

(*) Cost of shipping does not include insurance. Once the package is entrusted to the post office, I can not be held responsible for lost or damage packages. If you would like to purchase insurance, please email me prior to workshop purchase. (!) Basic Supplies Needed: thread [white] and needle, glue gun and a rolling pin.

Jingle with a little Twinkle - Christmas or celebrating throughout the year?

As the holidays approach we are all starting to look ahead at the gifts that we'll be giving loved one's.  Why not skip the store's and create something from the heart this year like the stationery set shown above! Close To My Heart's Jingle paper packet may appear to be a "Christmas" set of papers. Take another look at it and you'll see paper perfect to celebrate birthday's and so much more.

On November 15th, Stephanie and her guests will be treated to this project.  Stephanie is awesome and I look forward to spoiling her (and her guests)! Are you interested in hosting a girl's night out and earning hostess rewards (free product) and creating a special project with your friends? Email me at CreatewithChristine@msn.com to schedule your night of fun!

~ Featured Supplies ~

Jingle Kit of the Month	Tulip Ink Pad	Creme Brulee Ink Pad
White Daisy Ribbon	Twinkle Brads	Cards & Envelopes

"Add to Cart" opens a second (shopping) window with the selected item. Shrink the blog window and the new shopping window until you  you can see both windows on your screen. This will make it easier for you to add the additional featured items to your cart. Enter your desired quantity and click add to cart for each item in the shopping window.

*When ordering stamps: don't forget to add any blocks you may need.


View Specials and Upcoming Events - Be Inspired - Shop Online 24/7 at www.CreatewithChristine.com 

Kit of the Month: Grace

October Kit of the Month: Grace Basic Kit includes... ~ My Reflections Grace    Level 2 Paper Packet  ~ My Acrylix Beautiful     Flourish Stamp Set  ~ Rustic Edge Anchors  ~ Color Workshop Guide Retail Value $33.85 You Pay: $29.95 (+tax/sh) Best Option Club members receive the Basic Craft Buttons for FREE - a $7.95 value. Become a Kit Club Member (find out more... ) #Z1206 Basic Craft Buttons $7.95 #Z1247 Crystal Blue Waxy Flax $3.95 Class or Local Kit To Go If you are local you may purchase a kit and attend kit class where you can create your choice of cards, layotus or a combination of both. You may also pick up your kit to go. Join us for kit class on: October 25th @ 2pm at My Studio in Maple Valley, WA Email your kit selection to CreatewithChristine@msn.com. You will then receive an invoice for payment. Local RSVP &  Payment due by Sunday, October 17th Additional Required Tools Don't forget to add these items if you don't already own them. D1195 My Acrylix® The Works Alphabet $22.95 Y1001 1" × 1 1/2" My Acrylix® Block $4.50 Y1003 2" × 2" My Acrylix® Block $6.50 Y1010 2" × 6 1/2" My Acrylix® Block $9.95 Z2114 Cocoa Exclusive Inks® Pad $5.25 Z2160 Twilight Exclusive Inks® Pad $5.25 Z1114 Piercing Tool Kit $5.95 Ordering Tips  "Add to Cart" opens a second (shopping) window with the selected item. Shrink the blog window and the new shopping window until you  you can see both windows on your screen. This will make it easier for you to add the additional featured items to your cart. Enter your desired quantity and click add to cart for each item in the shopping window

A Few Answers

How did you make the felt reindeer?
The felt reindeer is from our HeartFelt Die-Cuts: Wonder (Item #Z120).  This is an adorable collection of fall designs - pre-cut: just need to be popped out.  Along with the deer, you'll find squirrels, owls, acorns, trees, frames, leaves, snowflakes and more. If you like the Wonder Die Cuts, you might also enjoy the Whimsy Die Cuts.

HeartFelt Die Cuts:  Wonder

HeartFelt Die Cuts: Whimsy

How did you add the "shopping" cart option to your blog?

While I'd love to answer this question for everyone.  Since it involved a good deal of web design knowledge (and coding), I will not be able to provide instruction.  Thank you for understanding!

Jingle, Holiday Trinkets, Ribbon, Rub On Glitter

This is one of those cards where I was just using left overs and ended up a card I love!  Doubling up ribbon adds an extra ooh la la. Throw in our new Winter Cheer: Glitter Rub-Ons and we have a winner!

I used the glitter rub ons a bit different here.  Instead of using the adhesive designs in the package, I used a glue pen to create my own designs (the dots on the ornament).  After my glue pen dried to to a "post it" note tackiness, I used the glitter sheet and rubbed it on.

~ Featured Supplies ~

Jingle Paper Packet	Holiday Trinkets	Tulip Exclusive Inks
White Organdy Ribbon	Ribbon Rounds: Sorbet	Winter Cheer: Glitter Rub Ons

"Add to Cart" opensa second (shopping) window with the selected item. Shrink the blog window and the new shopping window until you  you can see both windows on your screen. This will make it easier for you to add the additional featured items to your cart. Enter your desired quantity and click add to cart for each item in the shopping window.


*When ordering stamps: don't forget to add any blocks you may need.


View Specials and Upcoming Events - Be Inspired - Shop Online 24/7 at www.CreatewithChristine.com 

Rudolph finds his Jingle with a Twinkle Brad and Rub Ons

This card was inspired by a display at Leadership - I fell in love with the deer from Close To My Heart's Wonder - Heartfelt Die Cuts.  Using the Across the Board rub-ons, I gave him a little character.  But he wouldn't be Rudolph without his nose so bright which our new Twinkle Brads were perfect for.

~ Featured Supplies ~

Jingle Paper Packet	Heartfelt Die Cuts: Wonder	Twinkle Brads
Clear Craft Buttons	Across the Board Rub-Ons	Cranberry Waxy Flax

"Add to Cart" opensa second (shopping) window with the selected item. Shrink the blog window and the new shopping window until you  you can see both windows on your screen. This will make it easier for you to add the additional featured items to your cart. Enter your desired quantity and click add to cart for each item in the shopping window.


View Specials and Upcoming Events - Be Inspired - Shop Online 24/7 at www.CreatewithChristine.com 

Rebecca's party guests are getting a jump on the holidays...

Rebecca's ready to party on the 17th and I'm going to help her and her friends get ready for the holiday season by showing them how fast and easy our My Originals kits make creating unique, handmade cards. We'll start with the basics, add some bling and a little stamping to the Around the Holidays Card Kit!

REMEMBER: There will be an on time drawing! Party starts at 4:58 pm

If you'll be joining us, you can schedule your very own gathering before attending.  You'll get to pick another project from my examples for your friends to create when they attend your party! You'll earn hostess rewards and help Rebecca earn a special prize for having two friends book their own parties! Email me at CreatewithChristine@msn.com to reserve your date (pre-Christmas dates are filling fast).

If you are not attending Rebecca's party, you are still invited to schedule your own get together. I'll be posting party project options over the next week to select from - many of the projects have been designed to make great handmade Christmas gifts. Make gift giving easy this year: email me at CreatewithChristine@msn.com to reserve your date (pre-Christmas dates are filling fast).

!! One party left each for October & November: October 23 or 30 or November 16, 17 or 28. !!

*All Supplies CTMH Unless Otherwise Noted

Kit: X8623 My Originals Around the Holidays Card Kit

Stamps: D1388 Card Chatter
Inks: Chocolate, Cranberry

Misc: Sparkles, Paper Piercer, Soft Set Eyelet Tool

Visit www.CreatewithChristine.com to purchase supplies.

Testing, testing...1...2...3...

I am SO excited!  Last night I figured out a couple of website/newsletter issues that have been bothering me for awhile.  Because of this there is a new look for my monthly newsletter and my blog will soon be a part of my regular www.CreatewithChristine.com website!

There are still a few more changes are in the works...

Check out what Megan's party guests are going to create...

I am so excited for Megan's party on the 16th - we are all going to create this adorable Halloween project (at no charge) and Megan is going to earn some super hostess rewards/free product!

If you'll be joining us, you can schedule your very own gathering before attending.  You'll get to pick another project from my examples for your friends to create when they attend your party! You'll earn hostess rewards and help Megan earn a special prize for having two friends book their own parties! Email me at CreatewithChristine@msn.com to reserve your date (pre-Christmas dates are filling fast).

If you are not attending Megan's party, you are still invited to schedule your own get together. I'll be posting party project options over the next week to select from - many of the projects have been designed to make great handmade Christmas gifts. Make gift giving easy this year: email me at CreatewithChristine@msn.com to reserve your date (pre-Christmas dates are filling fast).

*All Supplies CTMH Unless Otherwise Noted

C1374 My Acrylix® Spellbound

C1324 My Acrylix® Spooky Smiles

X7115B Jingle Level 2 Paper Packet

1388 Colonial White Cardstock

1245 Olive Cardstock

1270 Autumn Terracotta Cardstock

Z2101 Autumn Terracotta Exclusive Inks™ Pad

Z2137 Olive Exclusive Inks™ Pad

Z888 Black StazOn® Ink Pad

Z891 VersaMark® Ink Pad

Z1034 Designer Ribbon Rounds™Black Collection

Z1088 Chocolate Waxy Flax

Z1146 Pewter Designer Brads

Z1156 Dimensional Elements Borders

Z608 Dry Embossing/Scoring Stylus

Z1151 3-D Foam Tape

Vase

Twigs

Beans

Visit www.CreatewithChristine.com to purchase supplies.

Temporarily On Hold (At Least I Hope)

My plans today were to share with you all about our 10 year anniversary - I was hoping to find some more photos to share.  However, plans changed...my baby has a bug and has been gracing me with barfies (as my friend Nona says).  I am off to snuggle with my him. Hopefully, we'll return to the regularly scheduled program tomorrow.

Grace lends itself well to Christmas Cards with the addition of some Heartfelt Die Cuts, Top Coat Overlays, Twinkle Brads and Buttercup Ribbon

This card was actually inspired by a card in the current Idea Book (pg 76). I love how I can use an idea from the catalog and make it completely unique by swapping out papers and stamps. My downline loved this card so much we had to quickly make a copy the last time she was here. Funny thing about that is we used a different Top Coat design and her card ended up looking quite different. So much fun!

Tip: Top Coat Overlays have a protective film on them that you will want to remove (it'll make them clear once it is off). The easiest way to do this is to feel for the non-raised design on one side and use the Rub & Remove Eraser to lighting rub at one corner edge.  The eraser will pick up the edge of the film and you'll be able to easily grab it and pull it off.

*All Supplies CTMH Unless Otherwise Noted
Paper: Grace B&T, Cocoa Card Stock, Bulk Cards Base
Stamps: no stamps
Inks: cocoa (sponged)
Misc: Top Coats Overlays, Buttercup Ribbon Rounds, Twinkle Brads , Rub & Remove Eraser

Template: Wishes - Gallery

Visit www.CreatewithChristine.com to purchase supplies.